Fundamental Rights
Introduction
Fundamental rights are the basic rights established by the Constitution of India and are enjoyed by the citizens of India. These rights define all
citizens are equal before the law irrespective of their caste, gender, religion, and place of birth. Fundamental rights protect the citizens and
prevent gross violations of human rights.
The Constitution of India is the longest written Constitution and is considered the supreme law of the nation, which sets out fundamental rights,
directive principles, and duties of citizens. Fundamental rights were included in the Constitution because they were considered essential for
developing the personality of individuals and the protection of human nobility. The Constitution of India granted six Fundamental Rights that are
equally enjoyed by the citizens of India as follows:
1. Right To Equality (Article 14-18)
2. Right to freedom (Article 19-22)
3. Rights against exploitation (Article 23-24)
4. Right to freedom of religion (Article 25-28)
5. Cultural and educational rights (Article 29-30)
6. Right to constitutional remedies (Article 32)
Overview of the Fundamental Rights of the Indian Constitution
1. Right to Equality: The right to Equality is one of the essential fundamental rights which states that all citizens should be treated equally
before the law irrespective of their caste, race, gender, religion, and place of birth. This right prohibited discrimination in any manner and
terminated various forms of untouchability. This fundamental right exposes the absence of special advantages for any citizen. It describes
that every individual is subservient to the jurisdiction of ordinary courts irrespective of their rank or position. It states that every individual
of a country, government, and other institution should obey and be ruled over by law and not by any irrational action by a group of
individuals.
2. Right to Freedom: Right to Freedom provides basic freedom to the citizens, which is relevant to the freedom of speech and
expression and to form associations. It also refers to the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of
opinion, etc. Every citizen is eligible to enjoy these rights without any discrimination. It also defines everyone has the freedom
to assemble peacefully without arms. However, this right can impose restrictions in the interest of public order and the
sovereignty and integrity of the country. This right also defines a citizen’s freedom to move freely throughout the territory of
India without any discrimination.
Overview of the Fundamental Rights of the Indian Constitution
3. Right against Exploitation: The right against Exploitation granted by the Indian Constitution refers to the dignity
of individuals. This Fundamental rights guaranteed the prohibition of child labour in mines, factories, and hazardous
employment. It also forbids the Exploitation or misuse of service by force or persuasion. This right forbids the
buying and selling of human beings like a commodity. Right Against Exploitation prohibits forced labour or any
form of a force begging to survive. It primarily prohibits child labour where no one can employ under 14.
4. Right to freedom of religion: The right to freedom of religion gives all the citizens the right to process any
religion of their choice. This right provides the freedom to change one’s religion or beliefs. The Constitution of India
supports religious harmony, which means the citizens of India show love and affection for different religions of the
country. Religious freedom is considered an important right as it prevents the cultural majority and the power of any
significant religion from imposing their beliefs on others.
Overview of the Fundamental Rights of the Indian Constitution
5. Cultural and Educational Rights: Cultural and Educational rights are considered essential fundamental rights.
This right endorses that every individual has the right to protect their distinct language, script, and culture. It also
protects against discrimination based on religion, race, caste, and language. Indian society is an example of a society
full of diversity. In such vast diversity, our Constitution believes that diversity is our strength. Endorsement of this
right saves all citizens’ cultural script or language.
6. Right to Constitutional Remedies: This right ensures that a person can move to the Supreme Court to get their
fundamental rights protected. The Right to Constitutional Remedies is considered the most important fundamental
right because it secures the protection of our fundamental rights. It enables the citizens whose fundamental rights
have been contravened to seek relief directly from the Supreme Court or different High Courts of India.
Conclusion
Based on the above study, we state that fundamental rights play a very significant role in the life of any citizen. The right to
Equality protects the liberties and freedom of the citizens against any invasion by the government or any individual and
prevents the dictatorial rule of the country. The addition of Fundamental Rights focuses on conserving individual liberty,
building an equitable society, and establishing a welfare state.